molting in August

[Jsnick]

Hi, I have a Polish that is a little over a year old and seems to be molting. When I pick her up lots of feathers fall off and there are a lot in the run. I checked for mites and lice and there's no sign of any. She's never gone thru a molt before. Also it was very hot here and then it cooled down now and has not been extremely hot. Cools down to upper 60's in evening and mid to high 8 's during the day. Is this normal?

 

[Relleoms]

Yep! Most of mine start within the next month or so, but some started in late July and one year I even had one start in February .

 

[TooCheep]

It may be normal. Is she looking/acting normal?

 

[HollowOfWisps]

1/2 my of my flock starting molting a couple of weeks ago and now all of my flock it’s molting. The ones that started a few weeks ago all have pin feathers grow in so definitely a molt. All of my trees have started turning orange and yellow about a month early this year as well.

 

[Jsnick]

Yep! Most of mine start within the next month or so, but some started in late July and one year I even had one start in February .

Wow thanks, this is the first time I'm going thru a molt with my girls. My other ones are to young.

 

[Jsnick]

It may be normal. Is she looking/acting normal?

Yes, just hasn't laid an egg since she started losing feathers

 

[FloridaChook]

We're gonna be in for a very cold winter? or at least super early

 

[TooCheep]

Yes, just hasn't laid an egg since she started losing feathers

That part is expected. Hens stop laying when they molt and take a while to recover and start laying again. They need more protein (to build feathers) and less calcium (to build eggs) during this period, while active layers still need the higher calcium.

These kind of mixed needs are why I gave up on using layer feed a couple of years ago. There are a lot of situations where using layer feed just doesn't make sense for everyone. Instead I use an all-flock feed (higher protein + lower calcium) and offer oyster shell strictly on the side. Everyone gets the benefits of higher protein and only those that need the extra calcium will consume the oyster shell.

 

[Jsnick]

That part is expected. Hens stop laying when they molt and take a while to recover and start laying again. They need more protein (to build feathers) and less calcium (to build eggs) during this period, while active layers still need the higher calcium.

These kind of mixed needs are why I gave up on using layer feed a couple of years ago. There are a lot of situations where using layer feed just doesn't make sense for everyone. Instead I use an all-flock feed (higher protein + lower calcium) and offer oyster shell strictly on the side. Everyone gets the benefits of higher protein and only those that need the extra calcium will consume the oyster shell.

My younger chicks are 19 weeks old, one is laying the other two are close. Can I start all of them on all flock feed? Thanks for the information too

 

[TooCheep]

My younger chicks are 19 weeks old, one is laying the other two are close. Can I start all of them on all flock feed? Thanks for the information too

Yes. All-flock pellets are *almost* for everyone. Really, the only exception is for chicks. They need the smaller grower crumbles. The 19 week olds are definitely large enough for the full-sized pellets.

One other hint. Chickens don't like change. When swapping feeds, try mixing them for a few days to a week rather than a sudden change-over.